Julie Barker-Merz is Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer of BMO Insurance. She is also Chair of the Diversity Council for BMO’s Private Client Group, Director and Treasurer of the Canadian Women’s Hockey League and Director of the Canadian Association of Financial Institutions in Insurance. She is a long-standing and strong supporter of women in business, sport and the community.

Throughout her 17 year career with BMO Bank of Montreal, Ms Barker-Merz has earned the reputation of being a leader who executes with pace, courage, and excellence, inspiring multi-disciplinary teams to come together towards a common vision. She is never afraid to take on new challenges (especially the ones that scare her!) and thrives in ambiguity and change, always seeking out new opportunities to grow and learn.

Ms Barker-Merz received her undergraduate degree at the University of Ottawa and completed her MBA at Dalhousie University. She is fluently bilingual (English/French) and proud mother of 2 young girls.

When she is not running her business (or running after her girls!), Julie enjoys running long distances. After completing 5 half marathons, she recently made the move to complete her first full marathon.